Biography
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Born
1951
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Born In
Crumlin, Dublin, County Dublin, Leinster, Ireland
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Died
19 September 2019 (aged 68)
Sandie Jones (born 1951 in Cork, Ireland; died 19 September 2019) was a Irish singer, best known for representing Ireland in the 1972 Eurovision Song Contest with the song "Ceol an Ghrá" (English: The Music of Love). Her Eurovision entry remains significant as it was the first—and to this day, only—time that Ireland submitted a song entirely in the Irish language.
Born in Cork, Sandie Jones began her singing career in the late 1960s, developing a reputation for her clear, emotive voice and unique stage presence. In 1972, at the age of 21, she was chosen to represent Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest, held that year in Edinburgh, Scotland. "Ceol an Ghrá", a romantic ballad with lyrics in Irish, celebrated love and the beauty of nature, incorporating traditional Irish imagery. Although the song did not win—finishing in 15th place out of 18 contestants—it earned Jones a place in Irish music history and became a beloved entry, remembered for its cultural significance.
After Eurovision, Sandie Jones continued to pursue her music career, releasing several singles and performing extensively in Ireland and the UK. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, she released numerous tracks that showcased her vocal talent, such as "The Boys in Blue" and "When the Word Was Young". She also appeared regularly on Irish television and radio, solidifying her place as a household name.
Jones relocated to the United States, where she continued to perform in smaller venues, primarily within Irish-American communities. Her move to the U.S. marked a shift in her life, as she focused more on her personal life and spiritual development, while still nurturing her passion for music.
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